Craven Family Curse
Morewood House in Hamstead Marshall is said to be haunted by a rather unusual curse. The story goes that a pregnant servant girl was kicked out of the household by the Craven family, who were residing there at the time. In a fit of anger and heartbreak, the girl is said to have placed a curse on the family, stating that no earl would survive beyond their fifty-eighth year. It's a claim that's been taken quite seriously by the family, who have reportedly experienced a rather unfortunate string of coincidences over the years.
The Craven family has a long history in the area, dating back to the medieval period. The family's fortunes have ebbed and flowed over the centuries, but it's the events of the twentieth century that have really cemented their reputation as being cursed. In an attempt to rid themselves of the ill fortune, the family sold the house, but it seems the curse may have lingered. While there's no concrete evidence to support the claims of paranormal activity, the sheer number of unexplained occurrences and tragic events that have befallen the family over the years is certainly intriguing.
The Craven family has a long history in Berkshire, dating back to the medieval period.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
The Cloaked Man of Kintbury
Church, Kintbury
Kintbury Church in Berkshire is home to a rather eerie apparition known as the Cloaked Man. This ghostly figure is said to appear wearing a dark cloak and a wide-brimmed hat, giving an air of mystery and intrigue. What's fascinating about this spectre is its tendency to fade away to nothing if approached, leaving witnesses wondering if they really did see what they thought they did. The church itself is a beautiful old building, and it's easy to imagine the Cloaked Man wandering its aisles, lost in thought or perhaps searching for something.
The Sentry of Biggs Cottage
Biggs Cottage, Wash Common
Biggs Cottage in Wash Common is home to a steadfast guardian, a sentinel who has stood watch over the property for years. This guard still protects the building where Parliamentarian generals once rested, a testament to the enduring legacy of the past. The haunting manifestation, simply referred to as 'The Sentry', is a curious case that has piqued the interest of paranormal enthusiasts and researchers alike.
The Blewbury Inn Ghost
Blewbury Inn Inn, Basildon
The Blewbury Inn, nestled in the heart of Berkshire, is home to a rather restless spirit. It's said that a former landlord still makes his presence known, long after his passing. Guests and staff have reported hearing the sound of footsteps echoing down the staircase and into the bar, particularly late at night. It's a gentle reminder that some people dont leave, even when they're gone. The atmosphere in the inn can be quite lively, but when the lights are low and the fire is crackling, you might just catch a glimpse, or a sound, of this lingering landlord.
Inkpen's Headless Barrow Figure
Barrow located on Sadler's Farm, Inkpen
Sadler's Farm in Inkpen, Berkshire, is home to an ancient barrow with a rather unsettling reputation. This burial mound is said to be haunted, or perhaps protected, by a headless figure. The story goes that at least one barrow in the village contains a solid gold or silver coffin, which sparked curiosity and treasure hunting attempts in the early twentieth century. When the barrow was dug up during that time, however, nothing of value was found, leaving behind more questions than answers.
Newbury Bypass Ghosts
A34, Newbury
The A34 Newbury Bypass is home to one of England's most intriguing and lesser-known hauntings. This spot was once a burial ground for soldiers from the English Civil War, a conflict that ravaged the nation in the 17th century. When the bypass was constructed in the 1990s, it disturbed a mass grave containing the remains of both Roundhead and Cavalier soldiers. Shortly after, reports began flooding in of ghostly apparitions - shadowy figures clad in period attire, vanishing into thin air when approached. These sightings have left many to ponder the restless spirits of the past, still roaming the site where they met their untimely demise.
The Bullet Proof Witch of Newbury
Cottington's Hill, Newbury
Cottington's Hill in Newbury is said to be haunted by the legend of a bullet proof witch. This local story tells of a woman with extraordinary abilities who was confronted by Cromwellian troops. According to the tale, she astonishingly caught bullets in her hands, defying the soldiers. However, her powers were eventually broken when a soldier managed to slice open her forehead with his sword, and she was shot in the back of the head. This dramatic encounter has become a lasting part of Newbury's folklore.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Morewood House

Warner Hotels - Littlecote House
Near Hungerford, Wiltshire (on Berkshire-Wiltshire border)
The Hind's Head
Aldermaston, Berkshire

Best Western The George Hotel
Pangbourne, Berkshire